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Former South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol has been arrested after his brief imposition of martial law. The nation remains sharply divided as the legal process unfolds.

Martial Law and Failed Power Seizure

In early December, Yoon Suk-yeol shocked South Korea by declaring martial law, citing legislative deadlock in the opposition-controlled parliament. His orders included deploying special forces to disrupt parliamentary proceedings, attempting to detain opposition leaders, and sealing off access to the legislature. However, lawmakers acted quickly, gathering to revoke the martial law decree before it could fully take effect.

Following the failed attempt to consolidate power, Yoon was suspended from his duties by a parliamentary vote. Although still officially president, he was stripped of all authority. The Constitutional Court is now tasked with deciding his permanent removal, requiring a majority of six judges to rule in favor of impeachment. The process has been controversial, partly due to prior vacancies on the nine-member bench.

Arrest Amid Standoff and Resistance

For weeks, Yoon evaded direct involvement in the investigation, protected by his presidential security detail. An earlier attempt to serve an arrest warrant failed. However, on Tuesday, investigators approached his residence with additional equipment and support, successfully negotiating his surrender without violence.

Yoon was formally arrested on Wednesday, marking the first time a sitting South Korean president has been detained. Authorities afforded him special privileges, including transportation in his presidential convoy rather than a police vehicle. In a video message, Yoon denied any wrongdoing and stated that his cooperation was intended to prevent “unnecessary bloodshed.”

Polarized Reactions and Uncertain Outcome

Yoon’s arrest has intensified political tensions. His conservative People Power Party condemned the impeachment as an overreach by the liberal opposition, accusing them of exploiting the crisis for electoral gain. The party draws parallels to the impeachment of former president Park Geun-hye in 2017, which led to significant electoral setbacks for conservatives.

On the other hand, the Democratic Party (DP) celebrated Yoon’s detention. DP leader Park Chan-dae described it as “a crucial step toward restoring constitutional integrity and the rule of law.”

The Constitutional Court has pledged to expedite its decision on Yoon’s removal. Authorities must now decide whether to extend his detention, which experts consider highly likely. If approved, Yoon will likely be placed in a secure facility in Seoul while the legal process continues.

South Korea remains in political turmoil as the court deliberates Yoon’s fate. The case underscores deep divisions in the country’s political landscape and tests the resilience of its democratic system.